The FDA and many state health agencies are raising the alarm about tianeptine, also called “gas station heroin." Here's what you need to know:
What is it? Tianeptine is a lab-made chemical marketed in other countries as a prescription for depression.
Is tianeptine legal in the U.S.? No. While it is being researched in the U.S. as a potential treatment for persistent depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and adjustment disorders, it has not been approved by the FDA and it’s not available as a prescription medication.
Is it being sold in the U.S.? Yes. Products containing tianeptine are being illegally sold despite FDA warnings. They may have other ingredients mixed in.
- Tianeptine is illegally marketed in smoke shops, convenience stores, gas stations and online as a dietary supplement, research chemical or brain enhancer
- Some of the more common brand names include ZaZa, Pegasus, Neptune’s Fix and Tianna Red
How is tianeptine misused? People often take very high doses of it – reportedly up to 7500mg dose as compared to the standard dose of 25mg to 50mg prescribed to treat depression. At these higher doses, it mimics the effects of opioids.
What are the negative effects?
- Seizures, psychosis and loss of consciousness – even deaths have been reported
- Addiction and overdose
- Return to opioid use and relapse
Since tianeptine is not regulated and is still the subject of research, the safest course of action is not to use it.
